LAWYER SAYS FAIR TRIAL WILL BE DIFFICULT

The lawyer defending Night Stalker suspect Richard Ramirez said in an interview published Saturday that publicity on the case makes it difficult for his client to get a fair trial anywhere in the country.

Allen Adashek, the public defender assigned to represent Ramirez, told the Los Angeles Times there are few places where he could get a fair trial for his client, who is suspected in up to 20 slayings and two dozen other assaults.

"The publicity is so intense . . . and so constant over so many days, even weeks," said Adashek. "It really is a problem. A major problem."

Adashek said he had not decided whether he would try to move Ramirez's trial outside of Los Angeles County.

Even if a judge granted a request for a trial outside the county, it is doubtful that it would do much good, Adashek said.

"Where can you wind up in a situation where people haven't already made up their minds?"

Prosecutors also have expressed concern about the publicity surrounding the case, especially statements by public officials who appeared to be declaring Ramirez guilty without benefit of trial.